Make sure your pivot is in the a good spot and also reset transform and scale before using PathDeform. You really don't need to use reset Xform that's a kind of destructive and brute force, instead use the reset transform and scale buttons on the hierarchy tab. You can also move only the pivot around by turning on "affect…
Sounds like a job for PathDeform(WSM). - Model out a flat piece of rope. - Probably just take 1 long cylinder instanced 3 times and use a twist modifier. Don't collapse it you might want to adjust it later, but keep it straight. - Create your non-rendering path spline, probably set the verts to smooth instead of corner…